Frequently Asked Questions

Inspection Services & Guidelines - FAQs

The Arcata Police Department offers both inked fingerprinting and digitally scanned (Live Scan) fingerprinting services. We charge a fee for rolling the prints and picture ID is required. Our fingerprinting hours are 9:00 - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments may be made for other times by calling our business office at 707-822-2428. Our rolling fee is $30. If you need Live Scan fingerprints you will need to provide us with a completed “Request for Live Scan” form. If a billing number is not provided on your form, then you will need to pay the Department of Justice processing fee in addition to the rolling fee. These fees range from $0 to $100, depending on the type of agency requesting the prints and the level of service required. For further information on applicant fingerprints, including how to obtain a review of criminal history records for visa, immigration or foreign adoption purposes, visit the Department of Justice website.

There are multiple ways to register: - Online utilizing the registration resource. Please call us if you need your username and/or password emailed to you. - In Person: We are open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street. - By Phone: 707-822-7091 - By Mail:

736 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521

Please note: When registering by phone, we must have a registration form on file. If your child has not participated in any Arcata recreation programs in the current year, then we need a new form. All participants must have a current registration form completed each year. You can save time by emailing a registration form or sending it by fax to 707-825-2118, and then call our office.

Definitely! The Humboldt Senior Resource Center operates a senior lunch and activity site at the Arcata Community Center at 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Activities include support groups, health assessments, exercise classes, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Please call 707-825-2027 or for more details visit the

Yes, depending on the season. View the programs and activities page to see what's currently being offered. Youth and adult soccer, football, and baseball/softball are organized by local non-profit groups that utilize our fields. Visit the Community Partners List to find their contact information.

"Drop-in” programs allow individuals the opportunity to participate in an activity for a day rather than commit to a full session or season. Examples of drop-in programs we have are sports (such as table tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickle ball), music (such as ukulele and drumming), and chess club. “Drop-in” fees vary depending on the activity and are paid onsite, pre-registration is not needed.

Yes! We have a public skate park that is located at 900 Sunset Boulevard, just west of Highway 101. There is also a new skate feature at Carlson Park, 5285 Carlson Park Dr.

To make a reservation request, call the City’s Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or send an email to rec@cityofarcata.org. You can also stop by the office, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation.

To reserve a park or the Arcata Plaza please contact the city's Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or by email.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an Endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation.

Printed maps of Arcata Parks and Playgrounds are available at Arcata City Hall Recreation Office, 736 F St.

Centro del Pueblo is leading operation and management to the farm. If you are interested in learning more about farm shares or volunteer opportunities, reach out to William Dirks at williwam@cdpueblo.com.

If you are interested in renting a community garden plot, reach out to Arcata Recreation Division at 707-822-7091.

We are always looking for instructors who are interested in leading specialty classes and workshops. If you have a skill or talent and wish to teach a class, submit your proposal to: Arcata Recreation Division ATTN: Evan Stork, Recreation Supervisor 736 F Street Arcata, CA 95521

Find more information and download an Instructor Information Packet and Contract Class Proposal Form by checking out the Employment & Volunteer Opportunities page.

Help monitor/pick up litter and assist with restoration along with the Arcata Community Forest Trails Council. For more information, visit the

Contact the Arcata Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184.

Yes! To set up a payment plan, you must pay for your child’s 1st week of camp in full. For each week remaining, a $30 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit may be placed to hold your child’s spot. Please only sign up for camps you know your child will attend. Please review our refund and cancellation policies in detail.

The City of Arcata is required by the state to comply with Senate Bill 1383.  This state law is an effort to reduce organic waste to the landfill by implementing organics waste collection services.  According to CalRecycle, this law will reduce the impacts of climate change by creating the opportunity for organics to be recycled and used in another way instead of going to the landfill.

California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) requires all residents and businesses to reduce organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings) sent to the landfill. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill (anaerobic decomposition), it releases methane, a harmful gas that traps the sun’s heat and contributes to climate change. Recycling organic waste (aerobic decomposition) will release carbon dioxide instead, which is a far less potent greenhouse gas. By recycling organic waste, we can create compost or clean energy which will help reduce the impacts of climate change.  Designated businesses that generate large amounts of surplus edible food will be required to have an edible food donation program.

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The City of Arcata was required to come into compliance with SB 1383 on January 1^st, 2023.  The City of Arcata is currently collaborating with other jurisdictions in the region, as well as with CalRecycle to implement all requirements by creating a Compliance Action Plan.  City of Arcata residents and businesses will receive more information in the coming months regarding compliance with SB 1383.

Organics recycling collection service by the City’s authorized collection contractor is expected to begin in late 2026.

Composting is not required but is a helpful tool for reducing the amount of waste generated.  Composting is useful for in-home gardens and personal disposal of food waste and organic materials.   When curbside collection of organic waste is offered, all of your food waste including meat/bones, dairy and soiled paper can be collected and processed.  Home composters will continue to manage appropriate household organic waste through composting.

Landfill gas created by anaerobically decomposing organic waste is a significant source of overall greenhouse gas emissions. This law helps California achieve its aggressive recycling & greenhouse gas emission goals by encouraging people to dispose of their waste in a less damaging way.  This is because as food waste and organic materials decompose anaerobically, they produce methane which is a leading greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. On the other hand, when decomposing organic waste is aerated with oxygen it produces carbon dioxide, which is far less harmful, and can break down into compost (a useful soil additive).

1. One way to reduce food waste is by cutting down on the amount of food you buy.   You can do this by meal prepping (planning the week’s meals), buying only the amount you need for one meal, using partially used vegetables and fruit first when making a meal (putting these in a clearly designated spot in your refrigerator in a clear container can help), repurpose leftover food such as vegetables and meat in sauces or soups.   Freeze any extra food for a later date, especially meat, cheese and tofu.  
2. When evaluating your food waste, one viable solution is to consider donating extra food to food pantries, since this allows it to still be used and gives back to your community.
3. Another strategy is to switch out disposable products for reusable ones.  Such as using cloth napkins or towels instead of paper.

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It is likely that your fee will increase in order for the City of Arcata to comply with this law.  Residents will have bundled service for solid waste, recycling and organic waste, which will help reduce the additional costs of complying with SB 1383 requirements.

The City of Arcata anticipates the City Council will consider a new solid waste, recycling, and organics franchise agreement in Spring 2026 and propose new rates in Spring/Summer 2026. Property owners in Arcata will receive a notice per the Proposition 218 process, and all residents will have an opportunity to provide input at an Arcata City Council meeting before new rates are adopted. 

You may be surprised to learn that a large amount of trash qualifies as organic waste such as food scraps, napkins, yard trimmings and paper towels!  Information about waivers and exemptions can be found in the City Ordinance 1560 regarding SB 1383.

Backyard composting is great, but not all food scraps or organic waste can be composted in a backyard system.  Residents will  have to comply with the citywide organics recycling collection service that will be offered through an authorized collection contractor.  Also, residents will have bundled service for solid waste, recycling, and organic waste, which will help keep the costs down for everyone.

No, you should not place food waste or food soiled paper products in your current green waste bin.  The city does not yet have food waste collection services.  If you have a curbside bin for yard waste recycling at home, please continue to only place yard waste inside.  This includes grass, leaves, branches, and other plant trimmings.  City of Arcata residents will receive more information in the coming months regarding compliance with SB 1383 and how to comply with the organics waste collection service that is expected to begin in 2024 or 2025.

No, the authorized collection contractor must provide curbside containers to businesses/residents. Containers provided by the businesses/residents themselves for collection at the curb would not comply with the regulations. 

Food soiled/paper-based items include items such as tea bags, used napkins/paper towels, paper plates, cupcake/muffin liners, coffee filters, and pizza boxes.

Recology is a great resource for what belongs in each respective disposal bin.  Recology’s WhatBin website is a helpful tool in determining what items go in each bin.  Once more information regarding organic waste collection services is developed, this website will be updated for users to determine what items go in the organics waste collection bin.

You can contact the City of Arcata Environmental Services Department by phone at (707) 822-8184 and/or email at eservices@cityofarcata.org.

Ordinance No. 1527 was passed to align with the city's Zero Waste Action Plan. This ordinance will help reduce the use of single-use plastic foodware that contributes to street litter, marine pollution, harm to wildlife, waste sent to landfills, and greenhouse gas emissions. The main points are as follows: 

• Food vendors with proper dishwashing capacity must use reusable foodware for onsite dining. 
• Accessory foodware must be provided upon request or at a self-serve station. Example of accessory foodware include but are not limited to: straws, stirrers, napkins, cup sleeves, spill plugs, and more.
• All single-use disposable foodware, including accessory foodware, must be fiber-based compostable and free of poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) 
• Food vendors must charge a $0.25 fee per order for food served in disposable foodware. For example: if a customer orders a burger and a drink, they would only be charged $0.25 extra for the entire order, not for each disposable. 
• Food vendors must offer at least a $0.25 discount per order for customers who bring their own reusable foodware for takeout. For example: if a customer orders two coffees and brings a reusable mug for each, it is only $0.25 off the order.

The SUD Ordinance went into effect March 6th, 2020. Enforcement for a majority of the ordinance began July 1st 2021. The fee and discount portion of the ordinance went into effect on January 1st, 2023.

The fees and discounts are meant to encourage use of reusables and discourage use of single use products. Only one charge and/or discount can be applied per order and all the charges are kept by the businesses. Profits from single use charges are meant to help offset the costs of switching to fiber-based compostable disposables.

A vendor list of fiber based compostable options can be found here. This list is a great place to start seeing the different options available on the market, but is not a comprehensive list of every possible alternative, and is subject to change based on product information.

Fiber-based materials that do not contain fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and have no bioplastic (PLA) or wax lining are compliant with the ordinance. Examples of this include materials such as paper, wood, sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, pasta, etc. For more examples of compliant materials, you can find a list here.

PLA plastic material is made from plants instead of traditional petroleum-based plastics. If these items are certified compostable, this material can only be composted in a commercial composting facility with high heat and processing. Unfortunately, no such facility exists within Humboldt County. Without the ability to be composted, these materials end up in the landfill and environment, and act like traditional petroleum-based plastic. 

No it is not a ban. The City of Arcata implemented the Single Use Disposable Foodware Ordinance as a way to reduce the use of single-use plastic foodware that contribute to street litter, marine pollution, harm to wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste sent to landfills.

Single-use foodware used for food must be fiber-based compostable or 100% aluminum and will result in a $0.25 charge per order. Only one charge can be applied per order and must appear as its own line item on the receipt. All disposable foodware charges are kept by the food-service establishment to help offset costs of buying fiber-based compostable foodware.

Accessory foodware (straws, stirrers, napkins, single-use utensils, condiment cups and packets, cup sleeves, tops, lids, spill plugs, etc.) must also be fiber-based compostable AND must only be provided upon request by the customer or at self-serve stations. Customers must request accessory foodware items separate from food orders and beverages no matter where or how they order (in-person, phone, app, web browser).

• Cups for delivery by the food vender may include tops, spill plugs, and sleeves without request
• Food vendors are encouraged to use condiment dispensers rather than pre-packaged condiment packets.

This ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of plastic water bottles on City property and at events permitted by the City to take place on City property

Businesses are still able to sell plastic bottles and use vending machines. Private events on private property can still sell and distribute plastic bottles.

Yes, items that do not have suitable alternatives on the market are exempt from the requirement to be fiber-based compostable. These materials are: hot liquid containers, cold cups, cup lids, soufflé cups (small cups typically used for samples or sauces), cutlery, grocery store pack-downs (kitchen prepared sides, sauces, and additions intended to have a longer shelf life than ready-to-eat take-out), and hot bar meal trays (containers used for storing ready-to-eat hot food often found at hot bars within grocery stores). 

Any non-conforming disposable foodware item to be used in lieu of a conforming item - whether through exemption or waiver- must be recyclable through the City of Arcata recyclable collection program (plastics #1-7). In addition, businesses can request a waiver for certain materials if the owner or operator demonstrates that application of this section would create undue hardship or practical difficultly for that establishment. Waiver requests can be submitted to Arcata's Environmental Services Department at eservices@cityofarcata.org

Yes, the charge is applied to all orders using disposable foodware. Even if all of the foodware is exempted from being compostable, it is still disposable.

This situation is up to the discretion of the business. If most of their order is utilizing reusable containers, then we suggest that they be given the discount. If the reusable is only a small part of a much larger order including disposables, then we suggest that they be charged for the disposables. If the order seems somewhat equal, then we suggest that the discount and the charge be applied.  Discount and fee implementation may vary depending on businesses point of sale system.

It is applicable to all food vendors, food providers, food service establishments, restaurants, and retail stores including, but not limited to: restaurants, grocery stores, bars, cafes, food trucks, and cafeterias. 

Food Vendors with dishwashing capacity must serve “dine-in” orders using reusable foodware.  Customers may bring their own clean durable reusable containers for food orders “to-go” and must receive a $0.25 minimum discount on their order. Only one discount can be applied per order and must appear as its own line item on the receipt. Food vendors can refuse to accept reusable foodware that is not suitable, such as cracked, chipped, corroded, appear inappropriate in size, material, or condition for the intended use, or that appear unsanitary or soiled .  

Yes, the health and safety code allows for customers to bring their own containers that are clean and appropriate for use to be filled for take-out as per state bill AB 619. Facilities need to have set procedures in place to maintain sanitizing of their workspace and prevent cross contamination.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding food safety or protocol, please contact the Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health at (707) 445-6215.

In accordance with California health and safety code, food vendors may refuse any containers that are cracked, chipped, corroded, appear inappropriate in size, material, or condition for the intended use, or that appear unsanitary or soiled.